David Moyes urges Everton team: Don't let this season go to waste

Apr 18 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

DAVID MOYES has urged his Everton players not to let their fine season go to waste after their European hopes were dealt another blow.

The Goodison Park outfit missed the chance to put pressure on fourth-placed Liverpool when they were beaten 1-0 at home by championship-chasing Chelsea last night.

Michael Essien’s 41st-minute goal was enough to separate the sides and leave Everton with only five points from their last six games.

That indifferent form has allowed both Aston Villa and Portsmouth to gain ground in the race for fifth place and a UEFA Cup berth, with the pair now able to close the gap with victory this weekend.

And while remaining upbeat, Moyes will rouse his players for one final push over the finishing line over the last three games.

“We have had a very good season so why should we feel that our season is petering out?” said the Everton manager. “We were playing against a very good Chelsea team, we have found it difficult against them in the past and we did so again.

“We have to make sure we keep going because we have teams behind us pushing us hard. The target is to qualify for the UEFA Cup. We had European football this year and we enjoyed it and we want to try and make sure we achieve that again.”

Everton entertain Aston Villa on Sunday week in a game which could prove pivotal in the battle for fifth place.

And Moyes said: “We could find Aston Villa coming here next week only three points behind us. It’s always a worry when teams are closing in. We have got some big games to go, two at Goodison and one away. We have been very good at Goodison and this was the first league game we’ve lost here since Arsenal over Christmas.

“Hopefully, we can now pick up the points we require.”

Of Everton’s performance last night, Moyes admitted: “It was not as good as I would have liked. We stayed in the game but lacked a bit of quality. We did not create enough chances, and their keeper really only had one save to make.

“I don’t think playing on Thursday made any difference, although we’d all prefer to play on Saturday if we’re honest.”

Everton were again without Mikel Arteta and Leon Osman last night, and Moyes admits his resources are being stretched during the run-in.

“I don’t think there’s an awful lot more we could do,” he said. “We looked to try and find solutions but we are a little bit short.

“I’m not going to gripe at that, though. It happens. And the only two players we can get back are Leon Osman and Mikel Arteta because the others are out for the season.”

Despite Chelsea’s win closing the gap on leaders Manchester United to two points, Moyes believes the title is still destined for Old Trafford. He said: “The title is still Man United’s to throw away. Chelsea will make it difficult, but I think if they’d got the points against Wigan on Monday it would have still been game on.”